January 8, 1930 - August 3, 2026

Sodus: Robert J. Verburg, 96, passed away peacefully Monday, August 3, 2026, at Newark Wayne Hospital.

Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours, Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 2PM-4PM at Norton Funeral Home, 45 W. Main St., Sodus NY 14551. A Celebration of Life service will be held immediately following at the funeral home. Those in attendance are welcome to join the family at Orbaker’s, 4793 NY Rt. 104, Williamson 14589, concluding the services.

Robert was born January 8, 1930 in Warren, OH, the son of the late Frances M. and Pauline M. (Bodine) Comstock. He was adopted by Peter Verburg in 1944, at the age of 14, after his mother, Pauline, married Peter. He graduated from Sodus Central School in 1948 and SUNY Oswego in 1957 with a master's in industrial arts. He served his country in the army from 1952-1955, serving in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was a driver education teacher for 25 years for Red Creek Central School (where he met his wife Winona), and Wolcott and Ontario Schools. After retirement from teaching, he worked in Real Estate for several years. He loved to dabble in woodworking and when he and his wife purchased a cottage on the St. Lawrence River, he spent many hours making improvements on the cottage and 16 acres. He and his wife loved to ride motorcycles.

 He is survived by his beloved wife, Winona, whom he married June 28, 1958, loving daughter; Sabrina (Joe) Cabral, sons; Shane (Denise) and Steffen Verburg, grandchildren; Scott (McKenzie) Verburg, Sheena Verburg, Kelsey (Katherine) Minier, Shasta (Nick) Kelsey, Eden Verburg, Jade Verburg, Beau (Noa) Verburg, Elliot Verburg, great-grandchildren; Nolan and Elsie Verburg, Aiden Smothers, Paige Kellam, Harper and Isla Kelsey, nephew; Peter Verburg.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter; Shelley Verburg Taft and sister, Barbara (Tom) Iwasaki.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity or the Wayne County Humane Society.